Free programs to view/extract iPhone backup files

[applenut]

I am just wondering if there are any free software which let the user open/view/extract/edit an iphone backup file? Please let me know if there is any??

I know there is a paid version but I hate buying dodgy software online. I've been ripped a few times cause the software didn't work or does not work as described. PayPal wont refund my money because its not from eBay... even though if its a fraud.

Thank you in advance..
AN,

[afitzpatrick]

Hi Applenut

There's a free download of the iPhone Backup Extractor at iphonebackupextractor.com. I can vouch for it not being dodgy... I wrote it. Always happy to help users, even if they don't buy the paid version.

[isokrates]

Hi Applenut

There's a free download of the iPhone Backup Extractor at iphonebackupextractor.com. I can vouch for it not being dodgy... I wrote it. Always happy to help users, even if they don't buy the paid version.

I've just downloaded this program. It looks great and everything, but, no offence, you shouldn't be claiming that it's free, because it's not. I went to extract my contacts, and was told it would only extract four (out of 462) unless I bought a one-year license for fifteen pounds! I don't mind paying for software, but I do mind being effectively deceived about a program's functionality - and £15 for one year is very steep.

CP

[AColes]

I've just downloaded this program. It looks great and everything, but, no offence, you shouldn't be claiming that it's free, because it's not. I went to extract my contacts, and was told it would only extract four (out of 462) unless I bought a one-year license for fifteen pounds! I don't mind paying for software, but I do mind being effectively deceived about a program's functionality - and £15 for one year is very steep.

CP

Hi isokrates,

We are concerned that you felt you were deceived about our software? We try our best and feel we convey exactly what our application does on our website (iphonebackupextractor.com/free-download/), terms and conditions and in our help and support sections. Our aim is to help, not confuse or deceive, apologies if this has been the case for you.

The application is free to use for personal use and can extract any available file stored in the backups created by iTunes. There are limitations to the number of files that can be extracted at one time and conversion of certain types of data into usable formats as you mention. But with a bit of research and knowledge which we provide great initial support for on the website, most data is obtainable with the free app. For example contacts which you wish to extract are stored in the Addressbook.sqlitedb file which is available to extract with the app. Then using a free SQLite manager you can read or export the contacts name and numbers etc. We even supply information on the website about the file and where it is stored on the computer and links to the SQLite managers to access the file.

It really depends on what suits your needs, if you know what you doing or happy to spend time researching how, use the free software. If your time is more valuable or you are not technically minded, interested in working with the files or have issues with corrupt backups the registered software and support maybe better suited. We have many users retrieving third party app files, pass-codes, location services, bookmark histories etc. all for free, we don't make anyone purchase and if asked for help we do our best to point people in the right direction.

Lastly on the point you made about "£15 for one year is very steep". This cost is for the initial software licence and includes email support and software upgrades for 12 months. Once purchased the application is available to use at the last licensed version without restriction. Put in context of the free app as mentioned, whether the data is important, if your time is worth more to you or if you need advanced technical support, this is an individual's choice for us to respect.

A

[jasvncnt10]

You can get it for free

[isokrates]

You can get it for free

Jasvncnt10: if by getting it free you mean downloading it from the website - as I just said, the functionality is limited. If you mean downloading a cracked version - I know that, but that is reinforcing my point.

AColes: I understand (and am in fact grateful for your concern); I assure you I didn't mean to be a **** about it. All I'm saying is I went to the website, and was immediately greeted with the words "free download" and "powerful free version", as well as "no spyware or ads", which invites the interpretation that it is in fact a totally free program. I do honestly think it's a bit silly to limit the contact extraction to four at a time, as most people do have at least a couple of hundred names in their 'phone book. This is like those programs you can get to move music from your iPod to your PC, or some of the early spyware-removal programs: a case of carrot ('look at all the things I can do for you') and stick ('for a previously-unmentioned price'). I appreciate that the option is there to extract the contacts file with the app if one knows what one is doing, but a couple of days ago when I was frantically trying to restore some numbers to my 'phone, I really didn't - the app (understandably) doesn't explain how to circumvent its functionality, and I didn't know enough about the structure of the backup to realise this was an option.

As for the annual license thing - I've never needed to use this before, and I really hope I don't need to use it many times in the coming year, so I stand by my comment that it's a lot of money for support. I buy lots of apps on Cydia for what, a dollar or two, and every time I've e-mailed a developer with an issue they've got back to me quickly and helpfully, even though I've only given them enough money to buy a packet of crisps.

In sum, I think I got frustrated because the program is all over Google and download sites as free software, and in some cases even freeware, and I'm not of the opinion that 'free download but with limited functionality' falls within the definition of freeware. I think you've made a great program, but I resent the fact that I only found out that I had to pay for it once it had already analysed my backup and showed me the files that could be mine. Once again, I don't mean to sound unreasonable - it's just how I reacted after several hours of frustrated fiddling around with a backup file, and I imagine it's how other people would react if they, too, had spent a long time unsuccessfully looking for a way to restore their data.

Anyway, good luck, and all the best,

Chris

[davidwlms]

Well that is very common, lots of software sites promise to do what they describe and after buying the software you come to know that you are unable to avail those features of the software which were described. in such case the demo version will help you a lot, such software which have its demo version will help you to view and extract the contents of your iPhone backup. When you are satisfied with the results of the software, then you can easily buy the license for the software.

[aniphonish]

I tried supercrazyawesome's extractor, it's free and works rather well.

[confucious]

I just found How to extract your contacts from iPhone or iTunes backup - Funky Kit for someone and it worked for them. Not tried it myself but got them out of a sticky situation.